'We have to accept where we are' – under-fire Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce issues depressing warning to angry Geordies

Bruce addressed his “remit” at the club after his side was beaten 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The loss followed a hugely-disappointing quarter-final Carabao Cup defeat to Championship team Brentford early last week which led to what Bruce termed as “mass hysteria” from supporters.

Newcastle ended the weekend 13th in the Premier League with 18 points from 14 games, and Bruce – who had talked of a top-10 push ahead of the campaign – stressed that Premier League survival was still his priority.

“We have to accept where we are – it’s as straightforward as that,” said United's head coach, who signed Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser and Mark Gillespie in the summer.

"My remit is to make sure that Newcastle stay and remain a Premier League outfit. That’s what I’ll try to achieve. That’s where we’ve been for the last three or four years.

"Of course, for Newcastle, in a lot of people’s eyes, that isn’t going to be enough. But that is where we are at the moment. We have to accept it and keep trying to move it a little bit forward.”

Alan Shearer was not critical of Bruce on Match of the Day. However, he again highlighted a lack of “ambition” at the club under the ownership of Mike Ashley.

“The fans just want a little bit of ambition,” said Shearer. “The don't want a club that just exists. They look at Villa, who have ambition. Everton have ambition. Southampton have ambition. They don't have that with Newcastle."

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